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rain drops plinked off the sidewalks and storefront windows.
    Vane found the symphony of sounds relaxing, a bit too relaxing. When his eyelids began to droop, he rose from his seat, rubbing both hands over his tired eyes. Frustrated with his body’s limitations, he grumbled a string of curses under his breath as he paced the pink and white checkered tiles in front of the display cases.
    After the meeting with his commander, he’d received details about Charlotte and a refresher course on Earth etiquette. Then Cato had given him the standard lecture about the dos and don’ts of time travel before sending Vane on his merry way. He’d been coming to the end of a twelve-hour shift when the Morphling had appeared, and he’d been awake for another twelve hours before that.
    On top of sleep deprivation, he also had to contend with the local environment. His body, like all Nekros, had the ability to adapt to the varied conditions on other planets. Still, processing the higher levels of carbon dioxide and external pollutions, as well as contending with the increased gravity, took its toll.
    “That’s better.” Entering through the swinging doors behind the counter, Charlotte gave him a wiggle of her fingers in greeting. “How about that coffee?”
    Vane nodded and stepped around the counter to follow her into the back of the shop. Dressed in an oversized sweater and a pair of ripped jeans, she still left him speechless. She’d pulled her damp hair up into a floppy bun, exposing the delicate curve of her neck, and if possible, Vane found her even lovelier without makeup.
    Fuck. He needed to find the Morphling and get the hell off the planet. According to the timer on his watch, he had just under seventy-eight hours before the time rip closed. The rules of his assignment had been clear, allowing no margin for error.
    Vane couldn’t afford distractions—no matter how beautiful and charming the package.

CHAPTER FOUR
    Removing the pan of cinnamon rolls from the refrigerator, Charli pulled off the plastic wrapping and dusted the shaped dough with another sprinkling of cinnamon-sugar. She didn’t say anything while she worked, and while she could feel Vane’s eyes on her back, he, too, remained silent.
    Once prepped, she slid the rolls into the pre-heated oven, set the timer, and paused. Gripping the handle on the oven door, she closed her eyes and breathed deeply as she counted to ten. When she felt steady enough to face him, Charli pasted on a bright smile she didn’t feel and turned.
    “How do you take your coffee?”
    Sitting at the small card table near the window, Vane jerked upright like a little boy who’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. After a pregnant pause, he lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug and gave her a lopsided grin.
    “Surprise me.”
    Nodding, Charli poured the coffees and took her time doctoring them with steamed milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Then she carried both cups to the square table that sat against the back wall and took a seat across from her guest.
    “Can I ask you something?”
    Though his expression remained neutral, the muscles in his jaw ticked. “Okay,” he answered slowly, taking the mug she slid toward him and curling both his hands around it.
    “Do you think I’m crazy?”
    Bringing the mug to his lips, Vane sniffed at the contents twice before taking a sip. Then his eyes drifted closed on a quiet, sexy groan that did funny things to Charli’s stomach.
    “This is coffee?”
    “Café au lait, to be exact.” His reaction amused her. “You like it?”
    “I do.”
    Charli let him enjoy the brew in silence for another moment before she pose her question again. “So, about me being crazy…”
    “You’re not.” Slouching back in his seat, Vane folded his arms over his wide chest and regarded her through narrowed eyes. “I think you’re too trusting, maybe a little reckless, but not crazy.”
    “Then tell me what’s going on. What’s all that stuff you were